Get Professional Physical Therapy Near You At Mid-America Orthopedics
Recovering from surgery can be a challenging journey, especially if you’ve undergone open surgery that required a large incision. For example, some knee surgery patients must wait several weeks before they’re healed enough to attempt walking again. Naturally, patients want to know what the fastest path to recovery is so they can return to their normal activities.
Professional physical therapy and rehabilitation help patients regain their strength, mobility, and overall function during the healing process. Physical therapy’s comprehensive approach influences recovery, including pain management and reducing the risk of post-surgery complications.
Keep reading to explore the multifaceted benefits of professional physical therapy. Then, we’ll explain how to schedule a consultation for physical therapy near you in Wichita.
Physical Therapy Builds Strength, Mobility, and Flexibility
One of the primary goals of physical therapy is helping surgery patients regain the physical abilities that enable their independence. To do that, physical therapists ask patients to perform prescribed exercises and motions that rebuild strength, mobility, and flexibility.
- Targeted exercises: No two patients or medical conditions are exactly alike. Physical therapists design specific exercise regimens tailored to the patient’s unique needs and limitations, focusing on strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the surgical site.
- Gradual progression: Physical therapy is a process based on incremental improvements and consistency. Professional physical therapists progressively intensify exercises to match the patient’s rate of healing, ensuring safe and effective recovery.
- Improved range of motion: Physical therapy guides patients through movements that help restore the normal range of motion in the affected area, improving mobility while reducing joint stiffness and pain.
- Functional movement training: Physical therapists design activities geared toward functional movement, helping patients regain the ability to perform household chores and work-related tasks.
- Improved flexibility: Regular stretching exercises and soft tissue therapy are incorporated to enhance flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and prevent contractures.
Professional Physical Therapy Holistically Supports Recovery
Physical therapy and rehabilitation aren’t just about regaining mobility and the ability to perform functional tasks. There are numerous biological factors to consider during recovery, all of which can influence a patient’s pain levels, inflammation, and how their surgical site heals. Physical therapists keep these biological factors top of mind when developing personalized treatment routines.
- Circulatory exercises: Engaging in controlled physical activity stimulates blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that facilitate healing. Exercises that promote blood circulation also reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and other clot-related issues.
- Holistic pain and inflammation reduction: Many patients are concerned that motion will trigger more pain and inflammation, when in fact the opposite is true. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, patients can minimize their pain and inflammation, reducing their reliance on pain medications that cause unwanted side effects.
- Scar tissue reduction: Internal scar tissue at the surgical site can potentially lead to pain and reduced functionality and mobility. Physical therapists keep internal scarring at bay using targeted exercises that prevent it from forming.
- Infection prevention: Infections can cause pain, swelling, fever, and delayed healing, so it’s best to prevent them by any means. Surgery patients who engage in professional physical therapy and recovery greatly reduce their risk of developing an infection.
How to Schedule Professional Physical Therapy Near You
Recovering from surgery can be a long and arduous process, but professional physical therapy can help speed things along while reducing pain, discomfort, and the risk of complications. Physical therapy also facilitates the healing process by focusing on building strength, mobility, and flexibility in the joint, which ultimately results in better functionality when performing common tasks and activities.
Most importantly, post-surgical physical therapy is the quickest road to reclaiming your independence and confidence. With the right physical therapy and rehabilitation program, patients can get back to doing the things they love, including bike riding, hiking, and other recreational physical activities.
If you’re a candidate for surgery, it’s never too early to start thinking about recovery. As one of the leading orthopedic practices in the Wichita area, Mid-America Orthopedics has a team of experienced physicians, surgeons, sports medicine doctors, and professional physical therapists near you who are ready to support you before, during, and after your surgery.
Call (316) 630-9300 to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors. You can also email us questions about physical therapy and rehabilitation using our contact form.